SPORT // NETBALL
U14B VII
It has been a pleasure to coach such a dynamic and enthusiastic team . They faced a tough challenge in their first match away at Hymers . In almost arctic conditions , they lost by just four goals – it was here that the girls recognised the need to train hard every week and brush up fundamental netball skills .
Beth Popely did a great job as captain for their next match away at Mount St . Mary ’ s . What a performance that was ! Fantastic teamwork , using each player to their advantage and not allowing the opposition to rest . Lydia Cazzalini , Molly Bull-Diamond and Clara Stewart proved to be an excellent team , displaying some clever passes which outwitted their markers and created so many goals . Zahra Hasanbasoglu and Lula Allams quickly formed a strong force in defence in this game and have since become our reliable duo , whipping the ball back up to the attacking end ! This win gave the team a massive confidence boost , leading them to win the following fixture against Hill House . Their second and last loss of the season was to Scarborough College .
With the tricky Scarborough game behind us , the girls fought on and won the next two consecutive games against Ampleforth and Hill House ( round two ). Poppy Levitt showed herself to be quite the shooter in goal attack ; her ability to quickly grab the ball after an attempt is phenomenal – the rebound queen ! Between them , Charlotte Marson and Chloe Anderson showed flair and enthusiasm as centre , making the most of their position each week . Not forgetting Imogen Stevens who provided some superb opportunities for the team in the centre third , stepping in for various positions and was never afraid of a tough contest ! A special mention must go to Zahra for her impeccable organisational skills as captain .
What a delight to end the season in the sunshine , with players as enthusiastic and keen to learn as they were in January ! With a continued strong team mentality , I am sure that they will be even more fierce and ambitious in Fourth Year . Well done , team !!
Player of Season : Zahra Hasanbasoglu Most Improved Player : Chloe Anderson
U13A VII
It was a challenging start to the season , with matches against Hymers and St Peters to kick off proceedings , but the girls very quickly started to gel as a team and started to show impressive development of their passing and marking skills and awareness of the game .
They then went on to secure wins against Mount St Mary ’ s , Scarborough College , Ampleforth , and Hull Collegiate .
A particular highlight was the game against Barnard Castle , which was a very tense and nerve-wracking game to watch , with plenty of aggression from both sides . It was great to see the girls rise to the challenge of playing such a side , and they did themselves proud in the way they adapted to that style of game , in the maturity that they showed and in the way they fought hard to the final whistle to secure victory .
Lucy Benson , Alice Roberts and Holly Briggs have all impressed with their shooting skills , sometimes against very tall defence where they have had to adapt their game to get around the opposition . The mid-court players Charlie Dear , Ruby Shannon , Briagh Lawrie and Tabby Speight have all played brilliantly and have shown real improvement in their passing skills , in working together and their movement on the court . In defence , we have been lucky to be able to rely on Holly Laverack , Daria Vornicel and Sophia Robinson to make good interceptions and get the ball back down the court to our attacking D .
It really has been a great season for the U13As ; a huge well done from us – it has been a pleasure to coach such a lovely group of girls . They should by very proud of the way they have attacked all matches , showing great determination but wonderful team spirit .
Players of the Season : Ruby Shannon , Briagh Lawrie and Lucy Benson
Most Improved Player : Sophia Robinson
46 THE POCKLINGTONIAN